The remnants of Hurricane Zeta are bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to much of the region, with between 2 and 3 inches in total expected before the storm moves out late Thursday.
A flood watch is in effect for the WTOP listening area until 11 p.m. Wednesday, with the National Weather Service warning that scattered incidents of flooding are possible. Fairfax County is under a flood warning through Thursday afternoon, where forecasters noted that heavy rainfall will lead to water pooling on roadways with poor drainage.
Drivers should use caution, especially moving through flood-prone areas of I-66 and the I-495 interchange in Springfield. Fallen leaves blocking storm drains could also lead to some street flooding.
Here is an overview of what to expect from the remnants of Zeta. A widespread 2 to 3 inches of rainfall are likely with a Flood Watch in effect from 4 AM through 10 PM Thursday. Minor instances of flooding will be possible as this system moves through. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/S0Dk0HESzy
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) October 29, 2020
There may also be some isolated wind damage with the waterlogged ground.
The storm system has also caused a high number of power outages in Northern Virginia.
Dominion energy reported over 30,000 customers were without power after the storm hit, mostly in the Fairfax, Herndon, and Arlington areas.
A Dominion energy spokesperson told WTOP the problem is with one of its transmission lines.
Crews are working on the issue and are trying to get power back as soon as possible.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Saturday will start out cold with frost and freeze concerns, mainly north and west of D.C. And don’t forget to set your clocks back and enjoy that extra hour of sleep, as daylight saving time ends Sunday.
Forecast:
- Thursday: Rain, heavy at times otherwise cloudy, breezy and cool. Highs: 50s to low 60s.
- Friday: Scattered showers, especially earlier in the day. Mostly cloudy, chilly and breezy. Highs: low to mid 50s.
- Saturday: Sunny and chilly. Highs: upper 40s to low 50s.
- Sunday: Partly sunny and becoming breezy. Showers possible later in the day. Highs: around 60.
Current weather:
WTOP’s Mike Jakaitis contributed to this report.
